Chances of Two Chiefs Free Agents Returning Just Took a Big Hit
Everyone around the league is looking to catch up to the Kansas City Chiefs. They are the team that everyone wants to be like. Even after they won their second straight Super Bowl title, the Chiefs still found a way to add more difference-makers to the roster.
Kansas City had a seven-player 2024 draft class that featured WR Xavier Worthy and OT Kinglsey Suamataia being their first two selections. GM Brett Veach has shown his ability to add serious talent in the draft.
In a post-draft presser, Veach was asked if he was bringing back two veterans for 2024 and he didn't give a ringing endorsement.
I asked Brett Veach about interest in bringing back a Donovan Smith or Mecole Hardman:
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) April 29, 2024
His response is to use the OTA period to let the young guys complete. If the Chiefs bring them back, the decision could extend into training camp depending on how young guys perform.
Chiefs News: Brett Veach Didn't Sound Eager to Bring Back Two Veterans
Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com asked Veach about the team's interest in bringing back WR Mecole Hardman or OT Donovan Smith. Veach responded by saying he wants to allow their young players to compete in OTAs before making a decision. If they did want to bring them back to Kansas City, that could happen in training camp which depends on how their young players develop.
This shouldn't come as a surprise as the Chiefs have young difference-makers on the roster already and hope that continues in 2024.
Even though Hardman caught the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl, he struggled immensely last year. Across 11 games with the Jets and the Chiefs, Hardman had 15 receptions for 124 yards and zero touchdowns.
As for Smith, in 2023, he finished with a 55.4 overall grade, recording nine penalties, and allowing two sacks. He also allowed 42 pressures, which isn't good when you have the league's best player under center.
Both of these guys played roles in the past for the Chiefs but if their young players continue to develop across these next few months, these vets won't be returning to Kansas City in 2024.
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